The Start button will not be immediately visible when a Windows 8.1 user is in the Modern style Start Screen or inside a Windows 8 app, according to the article. Instead, it will show up when a user moves the cursor over to the left bottom side of the screen.

The ZDNet.com article also claims that Windows 8.1 will have a much requested feature for Windows 8 users; a way to boot directly to the desktop. People who don't want to see the Start Screen will also be able to mask it with an "All Apps" list in Windows 8.1. Finally, the article claims that the same background for the desktop UI can also be used for the desktop for the Start Screen in Windows 8.1. The idea is that having a common background for both will make switching between the two UI setups less of a jolt for users.